Synopsis: Habakkuk

The writer  

Little is known of the author and the date of this writing. The meaning of his name is ‘to hug or embrace’. On the date of his writing, we can infer that it was during the time the Chaldeans, also known as Babylonians, when they were about to invade Judah, Hab 1:6. This would place the writing sometime in BC 612 (fall of Nineveh) and BC 605 (first attack on Judah). 

Habakkuk is unique as it is not written to a particular people but expresses the prophet sadness over the state of affairs in the society he lives.  

 

Key verse 

Hab 2:3  For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.  

Habakkuk found deep anguish in witnessing the sins of the people in Judah and was equally troubled by Babylon's ruthless treatment of those they conquered. In his distress, he turned to the Lord, seeking a resolution. In the key verse, the Lord tells him that there is an appointed time for everything. The Lord will not delay the appointed time that He fixed.  

The final appointed time, as spoken by God, refers to the time when the righteous no longer endures anxiety, suffering, or sorrow as God will usher in His millennium kingdom of righteousness and peace. 

Main Theme 

This book resonates with the thoughts and concerns of numerous Christians who, at different points in their lives, wrestle with the perceived delayed justice of God when witnessing the prosperity of wicked deeds. The flagrant violations of God's laws appear to be an inherent inclination of humanity, and in current times, it may even appear more prevalent than ever before.  

Today, the state of many nations is as described in Jude 1:7, “Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire”. This state seems to be the norm and legalized in many countries. 

The prophet Habakkuk is similarly depressed with the state of affairs in Israel and sought answers from his God in prayers (Hab 1:2-4, 1:12-2:1, 3:1-17). God faithfully spoke to Habakkuk and encouraged him. 

 

Spiritual and life lessons 

The key verse's reference to the ‘appointed time’ serves as a poignant reminder that in all aspects of life, God has ordained specific time for His intervention. Apart from monumental events such as the advent of the Lord Jesus, the rapture of the church, and the establishment of the millennial kingdom, we can take comfort in the knowledge that God also appoints times for our personal journeys on this earth. 

The book of Ecclesiastes reminds us there is a time for everything (Ecc 3:1-8). These verses are supplied below as they are uplifting to our mind: 

Ecc 3:1  To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:  

Ecc 3:2  A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;  

Ecc 3:3  A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;  

Ecc 3:4  A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;  

Ecc 3:5  A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;  

Ecc 3:6  A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;  

Ecc 3:7  A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 

 

Ecc 3:8  A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.  

The key verse reminds us not to be anxious, for God is unwavering in His punctuality and faithfulness to His appointed time. It is reassuring to place our trust in Him, knowing that during times of trials, God will not allow us to bear burdens beyond our capacity to endure (1 Corinthians 10:13). Just as Habakkuk concluded his prophecy with a spirit of rejoicing, we too should embrace a joyful disposition, even in the midst of temporary setbacks. 

Hab 3:17  Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:  

Hab 3:18  Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.  

Hab 3:19  The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. 

With God’s blessings, 

CL